Hospital probes mortuary fridge breakdown

Hospital chiefs have opened an investigation after a mortuary fridge containing the bodies of five infants broke down.

The refrigeration unit at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey, stopped working for 36 hours last Friday.

Fears have since been raised that the malfunction may affect the ability establish causes of death.

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Hospital medical director Dr Martin Stockwell said: “We are deeply sorry that this incident occurred, and we are working hard to understand how and why it happened. The Trust is taking this matter very seriously, and we are reviewing our processes as a matter of urgency.

“We have launched a thorough investigation into the matter, and are working closely with the Human Tissue Authority (the national authority responsible for regulating mortuary activities), to prevent it happening again.”

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